Tripper wants Champions League football again, hopes to do it with Newcastle

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Kieran Trippier has told BBC Radio 5 Live that he can play in the Champions League again – and is hoping to do it at Newcastle. But Trippier remained grounded, saying the main focus is avoiding relegation this season.

The Toon have improved enormously under the guidance of Eddie Howe since the new owners appointed the ex-Bournemouth boss. Going six Premier League matches unbeaten, there is a confidence they will stay up.

New signings, such as Trippier, have paid off. While the Euro 2020 finalist and La Liga winner is set to miss the majority of the season with a broken foot, the likes of Dan Burn, Matty Targett and Chris Wood have been good.

Asked about the potential of playing for Newcastle in the Champions League in years to come, Trippier said it is something he hopes he can do in a Newcastle shirt. But he understands that it is a project, a building process.

“Right now, the most-important thing is staying in the league. It’s a progress, it is about building season by season. Of course, Newcastle want to be playing Champions League football.

“The most-important thing is about Saturday against Brentford, but it is a project. But I do want to be playing Champions League football and I hope I can do so with Newcastle,” Trippier told 5 Live.

Trippier on Champions League: Can he do it while at Newcastle?

Newcastle have the financial power to turn their side into a bottom-half club into a Champions League mainstay. But it will take time, it will take careful, thought-out investment and it will take a few years, at least.

If they survive this season, the first building block is in place. It allows them to invest heavily this summer. A mid-table finish, or even a push into the top half would be the next step. Then Europe of some sort, the season after.

Trippier turns 32 in September, but judging by the way he is currently playing, the England right-back is likely to keep going for many years yet. He could be 35, and captaining Newcastle in the Champions League.